CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The introduction of Bluetooth technology could have a significant impact on ATM usage in the United States and throughout the globe. Speaking at the ATMIA Conference in Clearwater, Florida today, NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) Mobility Program Director Mel Walter spelled out how the mobile phone and NCR's Self-Service TouchPoints(TM) could combine to fulfill increasingly mobile lifestyles.
Addressing the theme of "mobile fulfillment," Walter demonstrated how a mobile phone will enable communication with the ATM. Using Bluetooth technology, a range of services could be delivered via the existing infrastructure of the ATM channel. Bluetooth provides the link between the mobile world and self-service, whereby the consumer carries the interface.
"The days of the ATM simply providing a cash delivery mechanism are already long gone. Modern Self-Service TouchPoints -- either ATMs or web kiosks -- offer a wide range of services to customers and are increasingly being seen as a key strategic weapon," said Walter. "The combination of access to mobile media and the print and delivery facilities available at the machines could open up a number of new opportunities for those with a mobile lifestyle."
As an example of the benefit of this potential shift via Bluetooth, consumers can now order tickets to an event while away from home or the office. However, they either have to await delivery or arrange to collect at a venue convenient to the distributor. Using today's web-enabled ATMs, coupled in the future with mobile access, consumers could not just order the tickets, but receive them at their ATM or collect them at a location they determine as convenient.
Mel Walter summarized NCR's concept of mobile fulfillment. "As the world's leading provider of self-service solutions, NCR is looking to the future and to our customers' needs in the wireless world. In a sense we are coming full circle. In the 1960s, ATMs launched banking mobility. With Bluetooth technology, the Self-Service TouchPoint offers more than a cash dispenser -- it could become a fulfillment center for mobile services beyond banking."
"Whether it is getting a map printed, getting tickets for tonight's entertainment, or simply getting a photograph printed from your digital camera, the ATM could prove to be the crucial delivery mechanism for those with an increasingly busy mobile lifestyle. This isn't reinventing the wheel, it's making full use of a tried and trusted delivery mechanism available where you want it," said Walter.
According to NCR, Self-Service TouchPoints will provide, at every street corner, the full size screen, high quality printer and security that mobile phones will never be able to offer. ATMs, therefore, complement the increasingly popular mobile channel.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in providing Relationship Technology(TM) solutions to customers worldwide in the retail, financial, communications, manufacturing, travel and transportation, and insurance markets. NCR's Relationship Technology solutions include privacy-enabled Teradata(R) warehouses and customer relationship management (CRM) applications, store automation and automated teller machines (ATMs). The company's business solutions are built on the foundation of its long- established industry knowledge and consulting expertise, value-adding software, global customer support services, a complete line of consumable and media products, and leading edge hardware technology. NCR employs 32,900 in more than 100 countries, and is a component stock of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. More information about NCR and its solutions may be found at www.ncr.com .
NCR and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries. SOURCE NCR Corporation
CONTACT: Wynne Evans of NCR Corporation - London, 00-44-20-7725-8997, or wynne.evans@ncr.com , or Lorraine Russell of NCR Corporation - Dayton, 937-445-3784, or lorraine.russell@ncr.com/
